Cine Club: Fellini e il Neorealismo

Description

Immerse yourself in the Italian Cinema’s Golden Age that transformed world cinema forever.

Step into the heart of post-war Italy and discover how a group of visionary filmmakers turned the rubble of a devastated nation into cinematic gold. Our exclusive 4-week Italian language course, Fellini e il Neorealismo, takes you on an extraordinary journey through one of cinema’s most influential movements—Italian Neorealism—and explores how it evolved into the poetic genius of Federico Fellini.

Born from the ashes of World War II, Neorealism emerged as a raw, authentic voice that captured the struggles, hopes, and humanity of ordinary Italians. This wasn’t just a film movement—it was a cultural revolution that would influence generations of directors worldwide, from Martin Scorsese to the Dardenne Brothers.

Each week, you’ll dive deep into a masterpiece that helped define modern cinema, discussing not just the films themselves, but their profound impact on Italian culture, language, and society. Through intimate classroom discussions conducted in Italian, you’ll develop your language skills while exploring themes of poverty, resilience, dreams, and the human condition.

Week 1: Roma Città Aperta (1945) – Roberto Rossellini
Begin with the film that launched the Neorealist movement. Shot in the streets of war-torn Rome with non-professional actors, this gripping tale of resistance fighters will introduce you to the raw authenticity that defined an era. Available on HBO Max or AppleTV.

Week 2: Ladri di Biciclette (1948) – Vittorio De Sica
Experience one of cinema’s most heartbreaking father-son stories. This simple tale of a man searching for his stolen bicycle reveals the poetry hidden in everyday desperation and the dignity found in the most humble circumstances. Available on HBO Max or Amazon Prime.

Week 3: I Vitelloni (1953) – Federico Fellini
Watch as Neorealism begins its transformation into something more personal and dreamlike. Fellini’s semi-autobiographical portrait of young men in a small seaside town marks the bridge between harsh reality and lyrical fantasy. Available on HBO Max or AppleTV.

Week 4: La Strada (1954) – Federico Fellini
Conclude with Fellini’s Academy Award-winning masterpiece, where Neorealism blooms into pure poetry. This haunting tale of a simple-minded woman and a brutish strongman will leave you contemplating the nature of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Available on HBO Max or AppleTV.

All films are readily available on major streaming platforms (HBO Max, Amazon Prime, AppleTV), making your journey accessible and convenient. You’ll watch each film independently, then gather for rich, discussion-based sessions where Italian language learning seamlessly blends with cultural immersion. All classes will be recorded. Your teacher is Elisa.

This isn’t just a language class—it’s your passport to understanding the soul of Italy through its most powerful artistic expression. Join us for four weeks that will forever change how you see both Italian cinema and the Italian spirit.

Prepare to fall in love with Italian all over again.